Review! The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton

The Ambrose Deception
By Emily Ecton
368 pages – ages 9+
Will Be Published by Disney-Hyperion on February 13, 2018

Synopsis from Publisher- “Melissa is a nobody. Wilf is a slacker. Bondi is a show-off. At least that’s what their middle school teachers think. To everyone’s surprise, they are the three students chosen to compete for a ten thousand-dollar scholarship, solving clues that lead them to various locations around Chicago. At first the three contestants work independently, but it doesn’t take long before each begins to wonder whether the competition is a sham. It’s only by secretly joining forces and using their unique talents that the trio is able to uncover the truth behind the Ambrose Deception–a truth that involves a lot more than just a scholarship.”

What I Thought- I absolutely loved this book. It’s in a style similar to Chris Grabenstein, but it’s also wonmderfully different. The characters are quite realistic, and I do appreciate how they are simple character archetypes (the nobody, the show-off, the slacker) that are expanded upon in creative ways. The book details their lives, showing how they have adversity and still rise to the challenge. It’s really interesting to see the characters develop with and interact with each other. The mystery is quite fun as well, with the reader able to try to solve the clues as the characters run around Chicago. Which reminds me of another thing – in the book, the clues are all placed around Chicago, Illinois, and the places are real places you can visit. That adds an awesome sense of adventure! Ms. Ecton’s writing style captures both lighthearted and dramatic feelings, which works to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. She has a slightly wacky narrative style that creates for a fun ride, even as she subtly creates undertones with a ferocious kick. Ecton really rocks you emotionally throughout the course of the story. I really enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it to people that were fans of “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein.